U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Visits Yad Vashem, Signs the Holocaust Survivors' Declaration

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem today. He was joined by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan.

Secretary of State Rubio signed the Survivors' Declaration, which was composed by a group of Holocaust survivors and first read aloud in 2002 at a conference at Yad Vashem by Holocaust survivor Zvi Gil, who recently passed away.

The signing of the declaration comes ahead of Israel assuming the Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in March. Israel has initiated a global campaign of recommitment to the message and principles of the declaration, in which the survivors recall the horrors they endured, urge for universal human rights, denounce antisemitism, and pass on the torch of remembrance to future generations.

The visit to Yad Vashem also included a viewing of the Book of Names, which holds over 4.8 million names of victims of the Holocaust, and a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance.

During the signing ceremony, Secretary of State Rubio, Foreign Minister Sa'ar and Chairman Dayan made remarks.

Secretary of State Rubio: "This ancient poison called antisemitism which has plagued mankind for centuries has visited us now again in this new century. It hides behind geopolitics, it embeds itself in international organizations, and in curriculums of our colleges and universities, in the voices of some who hide in social media and even openly espouse this ancient poison.

We stand here today also reminded why it can never be ignored. Why it always starts by what some believe as the wild ideas of a random person with no power and no influence. But Left unchecked and unchallenged it can turn into the tragedy that is commemorated here in this building today. "

Yad Vashem Chairman Dayan: "Today, we are witnessing a resurgence of hatred toward the Jewish people. It does not emanate only from the corridors of power in Tehran but also from the quad of Columbia University. This is a test not only for us – the Jewish people – but even more so for you, the leaders of the world."

Foreign Minister Sa'ar: "The new antisemitism is the persecution of the State of Israel, the State of the Jewish people. It uses demonization. Delegitimization. And double-standards. The attempt to deny Israel, the most attacked and threatened country in the world, its right to defend itself, is horrific.

Yad Vashem serves as the global epicenter of Holocaust commemoration, research, education, and documentation. Through its groundbreaking exhibitions, educational initiatives, research projects and digital resources, Yad Vashem ensures that the memory of the Holocaust continues to inspire and educate future generations. 

Photo Credit: Miri Shimonovich/Yad Vashem